• Company has invested over $1 billion in its Canadian store network over the past 5 years• 3,250 construction jobs created to support latest $200 million investment in stores

MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 2, 2019 /CNW/ - Walmart Canada announced today plans to invest over $200 million in its store network, with a focus on refurbishing and refreshing 31 stores across the country over the next year. Approximately 3,250 construction jobs will be created to support these upgrades.

These updates are the latest in a series of store investments, building on the retailer's $175 million updates to its store network in its last fiscal year. Over the last five years, the company has invested over $1 billion in its Canadian store network.

Walmart Canada's store investments will strengthen the company's extensive store network and provide a better in-store experience. The company will expand its fresh food Supercentre format to more locations and the investments will also help create a more seamless experience for customers ordering on Walmart.ca and picking up at their local store.

"Our store network is a key advantage in our ability to best serve the changing needs of our customers," said Lee Tappenden, president and CEO of Walmart Canada. "1.2 million customers in Canada choose to shop in our stores every day and we are focused on making their experience easy, enjoyable and convenient while seamlessly integrating our e-Commerce business. Investing in our stores is critical for the future of our business and to deliver on the changing needs of our customers."

Walmart Canada is committed to evaluating their store network to meet customer needs and ensure continued growth strategies. The company has opened more than 20 stores over the past four years. As part of the retailer's store strategy, they will also close two stores – one in Pincourt, Quebec (101 Boulevard Cardinal Leger) and one in Sault St. Marie, Ontario (293 Bay Street). All associates at these two stores will be offered positions at nearby Walmart locations to better serve customers in these markets. In the Pincourt area, Walmart Canada looks forward to welcoming customers to nearby stores, including the Vaudreuil Supercentre (3050 Boulevard de la Gare) which offers an expanded assortment including fresh groceries. In Sault Ste. Marie, customers are invited to visit the newly renovated Supercentre located at 446 Great Northern Rd. The company does not plan to close any further stores this year.

Enhancements customers can expect to see in their local stores include:

Better experience for customers shopping online and picking up in stores: Updated features include dedicated parking spaces for online grocery pickup and new areas in stores devoted to online orders.

Wider assortment and increased customer offering: Focus on food assortment and fresh, adding in bakery departments and hot food offerings, as well as introducing new licensees to stores for increased customer convenience.

Contemporary updates: Physical updates that provide a refreshed look and feel, including rearranged stores, updated colour palette, new signage, and initiatives to make stores fun and engaging for customer.

About Walmart CanadaWalmart Canada operates a chain of more than 400 stores nationwide serving more than 1.2 million customers each day. Walmart Canada's flagship online store, Walmart.ca is visited by more than 750,000 customers daily. With more than 85,000 associates, Walmart Canada is one of Canada's largest employers and is ranked one of the country's top 10 most influential brands. Walmart Canada's extensive philanthropy program is focused on supporting Canadian families in need, and since 1994 Walmart Canada has raised and donated more than $350 million to Canadian charities. Additional information can be found at walmartcanada.ca, facebook.com/walmartcanada and at twitter.com/walmartcanada.